Brookfield Community School in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, has received a positive inspection report, indicating an overall effectiveness rating of good. The inspection took place on April 18 and 19, 2023, and highlighted several strengths of the school, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and sixth-form provision, all rated as good. This marks a significant improvement from the previous inspection, which rated the school as requiring improvement.
Pupils express enjoyment in attending Brookfield Community School, noting improvements in recent years. Parents and carers echo this sentiment, appreciating the support provided for their children. The school fosters positive relationships between staff and pupils, creating a calm and orderly learning environment. Pupils demonstrate good behavior during lessons and social times, showing punctuality and respect towards one another and staff. They feel safe at school, with bullying reported as rare, and they trust that staff will effectively address any issues that arise.
The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, chess, and drama clubs, as well as opportunities for leadership through the student council and house captain roles. Leaders maintain high expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The curriculum is ambitious and well-structured, allowing pupils to build on their prior knowledge. However, in some subjects, the key knowledge to be learned is not clearly defined, and further development of the curriculum is needed to support teachers in delivering it effectively.
Teachers generally possess strong subject knowledge and present new topics well, although there are instances where explanations lack clarity or depth, hindering some pupils' learning. Most teachers effectively use questioning to check understanding and deepen knowledge. Regular assessments help track pupil progress, and feedback is provided to address misconceptions, contributing to overall good achievement among pupils.
In the sixth form, teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge, delivering an ambitious curriculum that fosters positive attitudes towards learning and good achievement among students. Pupils with special educational needs receive appropriate support, ensuring they can access the same curriculum as their peers.
The school has a well-planned personal development program that covers essential topics such as healthy relationships and respect for diversity. Governors provide effective support and challenge to school leaders, who have made significant improvements since the last inspection. However, there are areas where leaders have not fully reviewed the impact of their actions, leading to some inconsistencies in practice.
Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff well-trained and knowledgeable about potential risks to pupils. Leaders maintain detailed records and collaborate with other agencies to ensure pupils receive necessary support. Pupils are aware of how to keep themselves safe and know whom to approach with concerns.
To further improve, leaders should ensure that all teachers present new content clearly and in sufficient detail to enhance pupil understanding. Additionally, leaders need to take time to review the implementation of their plans to identify what is working well and what requires further improvement. Overall, Brookfield Community School is making commendable progress, with a strong foundation for continued development and success.
